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About Me

I'm an Academic Herald. I'm not a "real" herald; I don't register people's coats of arms (though I can certainly suggest designs for those who might be interested). What I do is study, research, teach, and write about heraldry. And I like to share what I have learned about heraldry, hence this blog. I hope that you'll find it informative, interesting at least occasionally, and worth your time to come back. Got a question? Comments? Feel free to let me know. I'd love to hear from you. You can find my contact information in my Profile.

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Thursday, December 9, 2010

A Day in Heidelberg

There were five different choices for day trips during the recent International Congress of Genealogical and Heraldic Sciences held in Stuttgart, Germany, one of which was an excursion to Heidelberg. I, frankly, leapt at the chance to go on this trip, since my great-grandfather was born in Heidelberg and had emigrated from there to the United States in 1881 at the ripe old age of 14. So it was an opportunity to visit the “auld sod,” as my father would say, and at the very least see some of the things that would have been familiar to my great-grandfather during his youth there.

One part of the day trip was an excursion by boat up and down the Neckar River which the city flanks, giving the visitor (like me) a nice overview of the city itself, and a great view of the ruined castle that overlooks the town. (Not to mention the bridges, public buildings, churches, etc., etc., etc.)

On the front of the main cabin of the boat someone had painted a very nice rendition of the coat of arms of the city of Heidelberg. Indeed, I don’t recall seeing many paintings of heraldry that felt quite so vibrant. It’s a beautifully done piece of work, and the unknown artist is to be congratulated. In my not always so humble opinion, anyway.